Queen celebrated with UK coin collection from the Royal Mint
The first band ever to be honoured
Last updated 31st Mar 2020
Queen are set to become the first band ever to be celebrated with an official commemorative UK coin collection from the Royal Mint.
The first in The Royal Mint’s new ‘Music Legends’ collection, Queen’s coin is available to buy in a variety of different Gold proof, Silver proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated versions, ranging from a £5 Brilliant uncirculated coin costing £13 to a One Ounce Gold Proof Coin that will set you back a whopping £2,020.
Additionally, the Brilliant Uncirculated coin will be available in limited numbers in three exclusive packs which includes a poster and will only be available to purchase from The Royal Mint.
The design of the coin pays tribute to all four members of Queen and features Freddie Mercury’s microphone and Bechstein grand piano, Brian May’s ‘Red Special’ guitar, Roger Taylor’s Ludwig bass drum and John Deacon’s Fender Precision Bass. The coin is completed by Queen’s iconic logo.
On the other side of the coin, of course, is the Queen herself.
Enthusing about Queen’s coin, Brian May says: “This is a big ‘Who could have imagined it?’ moment for us. When we began as Queen, even the first rung of the ladder to recognition seemed remote and unreachable. To have our band recognised and our music celebrated in this way is very touching - a real honour.”
Roger Taylor adds: “Marvellous, all this fuss over our band. I feel entirely spent.”
Nicola Howell, Chief Commercial Officer at The Royal Mint, comments: “Queen were one of the most influential bands of their generation, and their timeless classics are still enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. That’s why we’re so pleased to be honouring their great contribution to British music with their very own coin, which will be the first time a British band has been celebrated on UK coinage. British music is one of our greatest contributions to culture around the world, and its musicians like Queen who are at the forefront of this. We’re looking forward to announcing other coins in our new ‘Music Legends’ collection later this year, marking the work of other exceptional British musicians.”
Chris Facey, designer of the Queen coin, says: “My first memory of Queen was hearing Bohemian Rhapsody in the film Wayne’s World, and I’ve been a big fan ever since. It’s therefore such an honour to be asked to commemorate such an extraordinary band on a UK coin, and even more exciting as it’s the first coin I’ve designed. All four members of Queen were vital for their bravery in the music they created and the boundaries they pushed, and I hope that fans will enjoy seeing each of their contributions paid tribute to on this coin.”
Available to order from www.royalmint.com from today, the different coins in the collection are as follows:
Gold Proof
Silver Proof
Standard Brilliant Uncirculated edition